Essential Wound Care: Basics Every Dermatologist Should Know-Vascular Studies for Dermatologists

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Bill Marston, a vascular surgeon and director of the Chronic Wound Healing Limb Preservation Center at the University of North Carolina, presents on the rational use of vascular studies for wound care, particularly focusing on the lower extremities. He outlines the importance of using tests like duplex ultrasound, CT, MRI, and physiologic testing to assess the arterial and venous systems, crucial in determining blood supply adequacy for wound healing. For arterial evaluation, he emphasizes the ankle brachial index and waveform analysis while noting limitations like arterial calcification in diabetes. Dr. Marston advises on the importance of establishing a relationship with vascular labs for accurate interpretation of studies.<br /><br />In venous evaluations, communication with labs is key to ensure specific questions like obstruction and reflux severity are addressed. Techniques such as duplex ultrasound and plethysmography assess venous hemodynamics, while occasional CT and MRI can offer additional insights. Lymphatic evaluations often proceed after ruling out venous disease, with treatments typically involving compression and manual therapies. Dr. Marston underscores understanding the modalities and establishing lab collaborations for optimal patient outcomes in wound management.

Asset Subtitle

by William Marston, MD, FAAD

Keywords

vascular studies

wound care

lower extremities

duplex ultrasound

arterial evaluation

venous hemodynamics

lab collaboration